Chapter 3: The Garden's Secrets

Days turned into weeks as Pushkar delved deeper into the investigation surrounding the tragic incident at the stream. The town remained restless, divided between those who believed in Mrs. Ahuja's innocence and those who clung to their suspicions. Detective Tiwari was working on one more case, a human trafficking case. A water container was found near the Sharp Lane. A little girl in it. Sharp Lane was a connecting road between the three cities. Maplewood, Pendulum and Sheryland. Detective Tiwari was busy with that case due to pressure from the Mayor, so Marlyn murder case was on stand by. Amidst it all, Pushkar's attention began to focus on two individuals — Shravan and Mrs. Ahuja's husband, Mr. Ahuja.

With each passing day, Pushkar couldn't help but notice the peculiarities surrounding Shravan and his involvement in the events that had unfolded. He observed Shravan spending long hours tending to the lush green garden situated near Marlyn. The garden had always been a source of serenity for the townsfolk, but now it held an air of intrigue. Since of day of mishap, visitors are almost nil. But Shravan was there almost everyday. One day Pushkar saw him near the yellow taped prohibited crime scene area from the windows of the bakery. But hustle at the bakery prevented him any confrontation.

Pushkar decided to follow his instincts and dig deeper into Shravan's past. He began researching online. Not much information. Other than an old photograph with a young Shravan holding a culinary school certificate and Mr Ahuja smiling beside him. Out of no resort, he went to the gossip girl at the school who had worked at the bakery last summer holidays. Preeti uncovered fragments of information that only fueled his suspicions.  Her cousin had been to the same culinary school as Shravan. According to the rumors floated around the school,  Shravan had a murky past, shrouded in secrecy and whispers of shady involvements. He used to disappear from campus the moments classes got over. He was never seen with friends and also his name was there in the case of a student suicide. Nobody knee his role - a victim, perpetrator or something else. Another one was he had no family, no job at the time of school but he never lacked money.

One evening, as the sun began its descent, Pushkar discreetly ventured into the garden, hidden among the vibrant foliage. He watched as Shravan meticulously tended to the plants, his movements deliberate and precise. The evening breeze carried whispers of conversations, leaving Pushkar to wonder if there was more to this seemingly tranquil scene.

His gaze shifted toward the stream, where the body had been discovered. The same stream that flowed alongside the lush garden. It was a connection, his presence,  that couldn't be ignored. Pushkar's mind raced with questions. Did Shravan know something about the incident? Could he be involved?

As Pushkar retreated from his clandestine observation, his attention turned to another figure —  Mr. Ahuja, the husband of Mrs. Ahuja. He had remained largely silent throughout the ordeal, his sorrow evident in his weary eyes. Yet, Pushkar couldn't shake the nagging feeling that there was something amiss.

He decided to pay Mr. Ahuja a visit, hoping to gain some insight into the events that had unfolded. When Pushkar arrived at the Ahuja residence, he was met with a hesitant and guarded demeanor. Mr. Ahuja's words were laced with grief, but there was an underlying tension that Pushkar couldn't ignore.

The only hope he found was Shravan's ex girlfriend visiting Preeti's cousin coming Saturday.

Love,
Zindagi